Affordable Supportive Housing
HOW is committed to developing affordable housing, modeling green building practices, and providing property management for the four buildings it owns. The goal of HOW’s affordable housing preservation and production efforts is to ensure that extremely low-, low- and moderate-income individuals and families can access safe, affordable housing throughout the Chicagoland area.
Permanent Supportive Housing for People with Disabilities
More than half of HOW’s subsidized housing units is designated for individuals with disabilities, both with and without families. There is no time limit on participation in this program. Rental subsidies are provided with HUD Continuum of Care (COC) funds. Clients pay 30% of their income towards rent.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
In partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, HOW offers housing (34 scattered site units) and services for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Beginning in 2019, we expanded our CDPH HOPWA service umbrella to provide specialized services and resources to an additional 50 households a year, including health care case management.
Housing and Support for Families in Transition (FIT)
The FIT program is a partnership with the Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund, Chicago Public Schools, the Department of Family Support Services, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, and local housing nonprofits including HOW. Chicago Public Schools identifies families with children in CPS who are experiencing homelessness. Housing agencies including HOW provide housing location assistance, case management, and employment services to help families stabilize and kids succeed in school. HOW currently serves 36 FIT program families whose children attend school in Englewood.
Rapid Rehousing
New in 2022, our previously DFSS funded Families Two (PHwSS) transitional housing project converted to Rapid Rehousing (RRH) through a new partnership with All Chicago. RRH is targeted to people who are experiencing literal homelessness and we HOW anticipates serving 42 individuals and families a year. Housing is time-limited (24 months).
Homeless Dedicated Prevention
HOW’s Homeless Dedicated Prevention program assists individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis by providing crisis management, housing placement, psychological support, and links to funding and service providers. The HOW Prevention Department receives at least 600 calls each year from people seeking help. Additionally, the program provides case management and support to individuals living in units subsidized by the Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund (25 units).
Affordable Housing
HOW completed its first new construction building in 2019. With sixteen total units, eight one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom, the building is the organization’s first affordable housing development. Perfectly situated close to transit, schools, stores and other amenities, the apartments offer new residents the opportunity to take full advantage of all the Evanston community has to offer. Residents are provided with case management and referral information as needed.